Buick Encore: Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner's manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
If equipped with remote vehicle
start, open the hood before
performing any service work to
prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle
Start
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
Warning
Turn the vehicle off before
opening the hood. If the engine is
running with the hood open, you
or others could be injured.
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine.
To help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch
these components until they have
cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood
before opening.
To open the hood:
- Pull the hood release lever with
the symbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
- Go to the front of the vehicle
and locate the secondary
release lever under the front
center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever
to the right to release.
- Lift the hood and release the
hood prop rod from its retainer,
in the front of the engine
compartment. Securely insert
the rod end into the slot
marked with an arrow, on the
underside of the hood.
To close the hood:
- Before closing the hood, be
sure all filler caps are on
properly, and all tools are
removed.
- Lift the hood and remove the
hood prop rod from the
underside of the hood. Return
the prop rod to its retainer. The
prop rod must click into place
when returning it to the retainer
to prevent hood damage.
- Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in)
above the vehicle and release
it. Check to make sure the
hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with
additional force if necessary.
Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the
hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block
your vision, and cause a crash.
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely
before driving.
READ NEXT:
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil
Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System
Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
and Pressur
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to
SEE MORE:
WARNING: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill
plug is
removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be
hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing
the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn
th
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is